Loredona Viognier 2007

summer time patio pounder lovers, here is a nice alternative to a chardonnay. viognier is starting to get a little more attention and with just cause. this was, which sells for about $11, is well worth the price. the nose was peaches and honeysuckle and a little tangerine as well. the flavor was slightly sweet, not cloying, and well balanced, with apricots and honey. i also picked up some nice tropical fruit notes as well. this one spends no time in oak so it shines on the fruit characteristics alone. viognier is a worth while varietal to try as there are many available in this price range. i really nice food wine that will go well with many summer time dishes.

Richter Zeppelin Riesling 2007

i tried this riesling recently and although i am not a huge fan of the varietal, i know there are times when it can be the perfect wine to serve with certain foods. the nose had hints of slate like minerals and citrus, as well as a little apple. the flavor was slightly sweet without being syrupy or cloying, with well balanced flavors of citrus (lemon) and apple, nicely acidic and a full mouth feel. i got a nice apricot note toward the finish as well. this wine sells for about $14 and will go very well with chicken dishes or maybe a nice blue cheese. good food wine. oh, and the name mentions zeppelin because wines from this vineyard were served in the luxurious restaurant of the zeppelin airships in the 1920's and 1930's.

Beringer Founders' Estate 2006 Pinot Grigio

we are definitely white wine happy during these warm weather months. we had this sitting around a pool with friends, some cheese, veggies, and crackers. not a bad wine. nose of apricot and some citrus. taste of citrus and apples. wasn't a great pinot grigio. i think i have had much better ones that i have reviewed in the past week or so. this one sells for about $7, so the price is nice. not sure i could go back again for more of this. it was just a bit too simple for my taste. i prefer a more complex flavor and this fell short in that category.